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269 days ago

❄️ Save these dates for July in Wairarapa!

Denver Grenell from Destination Wairarapa

Cool temps, hot events – here’s what’s coming up in Wairarapa this July:

🎄 Wairarapa Festival of Christmas (on now until 26 July)

Christmas lights, markets, circus fun, a house tour, tractor parade & more! Most events are FREE!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 School Holiday Fun
Circus workshops, art projects, Junior Rangers & more. Fun for all ages – and plenty of it free or low-cost!

🍷 Nga Waka Degustation Dinner – Fri 18 July

Five beautiful wines, four delicious courses by chef Ant North – a cosy, intimate evening in Martinborough.

📘 Ian Foster – Leading Under Pressure – Thurs 31 July

Former All Blacks coach shares stories from the top. Book talk + Q&A + signing.

💍 Wairarapa Wedding Expo – Fri 2 August

Meet local wedding pros, get inspired, and plan your perfect day. Entry by koha.

👉 Don’t miss out! Rally your crew and make the most of winter in the Wairarapa. Find out more at the link below.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.5% Complete
  • 57.6% No, I enjoy it
    57.6% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
1027 votes
17 minutes ago

'Julia' on at Circa Theatre

Marketing Manager from Circa Theatre

In 2012, Julia Gillard delivered a speech that ricocheted across Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. Now, the woman and the moment is brought to the stage in Julia. This gripping one-woman show puts us inside a very public storm, and reveals the life and career that led to it.

From idealistic young advocate to leader under relentless scrutiny, Julia takes us behind the microphone of the landmark “misogyny speech.” It steps into the personal, political and socio-cultural forces that forged it. Blending real excerpts with scenes inspired by true events, this is more than one leader’s story. It’s a sharp, human look at how we judge power, how we listen to women, and what we demand of those who lead us.

Against a backdrop of progress and pushback on gender equality, Julia takes on fresh resonance here in Aotearoa. It draws the line between conviction and compromise, private life and public duty. And it asks what it costs to stand your ground and say “not now, not ever” in a world that still questions women who lead.

Reviews:
“Julia is an intoxicating and fascinating experience that hits something deep and resounding within us.” – Time Out
“It builds like a storm.” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Julia is a shining example of theatre as a powerful medium for change.” – Stage Whispers

Note: This play is a fictional imagining inspired by real events and public materials. It includes references and extracts from published works and interviews. Julia Gillard has not endorsed or contributed artistically to this production.

Written by Joanna Murray-Smith
A BRAVE Theatre Production

Performed by Lara Macgregor
Directed by Mel Dodge

Sat 30 May – Sat 27 June

Audience Care: Recommended 13+. Mild language warning.

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4 hours ago

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Rita Angus Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.

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